Hemp Tone drivers break cover

[rcdaniel]

Hi all

It seems the Hemp Tone drivers that Dan hipped us to a while back are up on the A Brown Soun site.

First the minor gripes - a little lower efficiency than I would like, no 6.5", and I am not sure whether the 8" has changed any (I would have liked a no-whiz version).

But - nice flat FR on the 5", which looks to be a very nice potential substitute for the Fostex FE127e, lower efficiency notwithstanding. This driver could be in my future. Price seems quite good if performance lives up to the description.

So, does anyone have experience with these yet (I am guessing they are available)? And to the inevitable question - how do they compare to the Fostex and Hemp Acoustics options?

http://www.abrown.com/home.htm

Cheers
Raymond

[planet10]

Originally posted by rcdaniel
And to the inevitable question - how do they compare to the Fostex and Hemp Acoustics options?

I have lots of FE127 and am breaking in a pair of Hemp Acoutics,,, so at least we'll be able to do that compare. I'll have to get a pair of tone tubbies to see how they compare.

The reduced efficiency on the tone tubby is quite dissapointing... if is enuff to rule out many of the best small amps. It is also quite a bit further from a drop-in replacement for the FE127.

dave

[rcdaniel]

Hi Dave

It will be intersting to hear how your comparison goes; your modded FE126/7e and the Hemp Acousitics drivers both look to be nice.

Yeah, the specs of those two drivers look pretty different, irrespecitve of what is claimed - I should have double checked myself, tho my time is limited at present. Also, grandiose claims of "This 5" FR has tonal balance, speed, and detail unrivaled by ANY full range driver on the market" do not instill confidence in me; quite the opposite. I am not convinced it would be vastly superior to a Feastrex, for example...

I agree re: the lower sensitivity as well - I am thinking these are not unlike the Omega hemp drivers, designed as a swap for the Fostex FE127e and intended to work well with higher power amps such as RWA 30 etc.

Okay, back to study for me

Cheers
Raymond

[Nanook]

well the 5" is nearly 4dB less efficient than the Hemps (92.5 VS 88 for the Tone Tubbys), The 8" seem similar enough. I do have a little personal insight intothe differences but will not comment as Ihad been asked not to.

something quite interesting can be found

here . Please disregard Perry Pecker's comment, but have a read a little further down regarding some "audio magic". I had no idea hemp produces watts

[planet10]

Review soon in Affordable Audio?

(http://www.affordableaudio.org/)

dave

[Nanook]

er I did review the 8" FR8c or "HQ or whatever it was called at the time. As my FR experience is limited to old fullrangers, the Hemps and of course your Fonkens I would enjoy reviewing more of Perry's products. For those that don't "know" I am stew nelless.

no disrespect is intended towards A Brown Soun, or Omega, etc. Logistically it is just so much easier for me to review Canadian products if possible. A$$A has a fairly large number of American writers. I would look forward to any of them doing a review and /or interview regarding any of either of the American products.

I believe we have had a review of the Nirvana fullrangers. It was in the same issue as my review of the Hemp Acoustics FR8 (Feb 07). One of the things that can make it a little tough is the fact that there is a need for an impartial review process. Like I had suggested, I do have some insight into some particulars about some of these "fullrange" companies, but do not feel the need to colour anybody else with my perspective---I believe that would be unethical. I can say that ABroun Soun, and Omega have had good reviews and many pleased customers. I can say the same regarding Hemp Acoustics.

I have some nice old Wharfedale walnut 11.3 litre enclosures that are begging for a small fullranger...so perhaps a review of the smaller Hemps would be an idea..hmmm, if I can arrange it in time perhaps suitable for a trip to the island mahn

It could be interesting doing a side by side with the modded Fostex drivers..which ones are you breaking in?

[planet10]

Originally posted by Nanook ..which ones are you breaking in?

4.5s

dave

[Nanook]

for a set to bring with me.

Dave anything needed to bring ceptin myself and perhaps one other... (have you tried some of the beer from Penticton?)